Intramedullary bronchogenic cyst in the foramen magnum region accompanied with syringomyelia

Abstract

Rationale: Bronchogenic cysts refer to congenital anomalies derived from the primitive foregut. Spinal bronchogenic cysts are uncommon entities, and those occurring in the intramedullary sites are extremely rare. Bronchogenic cysts involving the foramen magnum region have only been described in 2 cases; however, intramedullary bronchogenic cysts with syringomyelia have not yet been reported. Patient concerns: A 46-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of pain in the posterior neck region and a 1-month history of numbness in the upper extremities. Neurological examination revealed a loss of sensation in bilateral upper extremities and sensory dissociation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an intramedullary cystic lesion in the foramen magnum region and syringomyelia. Diagnosis: Histopathological findings were consistent with a bronchogenic cyst. Interventions and outcomes: A surgical resection of the cystic lesion was performed via a posterior midline approach. Under neurophysiological monitoring, the cyst was punctured, yielding gelatinous liquid. The dorsal part of the cystic wall was removed. One month postoperatively, the symptoms were resolved completely. Three months after operation, MRI showed no recurrence of the cyst and the syringomyelia disappeared. Lessons: Intramedullary bronchogenic cysts with syringomyelia are extremely rare. Preoperative identification is challenging and definitive diagnosis depends on histopathological evidence. Timely surgical resection should be highlighted.

Large intramedullary bronchogenic cyst of the cervical spine: illustrative case

“…Of the 27 published cases of primary spinal bronchogenic cysts, only 3 were intramedullary lesions ( Table 1 ). 1 , 17 , 18 We present our case of a large intradural intramedullary spinal bronchogenic cyst causing syrinx formation as well as cord compression.…”

“… 2–16 Three prior accounts described intramedullary bronchogenic cysts ( Table 1 ). 1 , 17 , 18 We present our experience with a large intramedullary bronchogenic cyst located in the cervical spine.…”

Hydropneumothorax: A Presentation of Infected Bronchogenic Cyst

“…Congenital lung lesions comprise a diverse spectrum of rare but clinically significant lesions ranging from congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations to bronchopulmonary sequestrations, congenital lobar emphysema, and bronchogenic cysts [ 1 ]. Bronchogenic cysts are closed sac-like cystic lesions resulting from abnormal budding of the primitive foregut during the early development of the alimentary and respiratory systems [ 2 , 3 ]. Furthermore, they are exceedingly rare, with a prevalence rate of 1 in 42000 and 1 in 68000 [ 4 ].…”